When do you NOT need a personal injury attorney after your NC Auto Accident?

Sometimes, but not always, people call me and ask this question: “I wanted to know if I need an attorney for my accident case.” At the risk of sounding like old Slick Willy, it depends on what you mean by “need.” Can an attorney help in any auto accident scenario? I suppose so. But is it going to be worth the price you pay? Is it going to be worth the attorney’s time?

This is really a case by case sort of analysis, and I’m happy to have that discussion with pretty much anyone who calls me with an auto accident in NC. But here are the questions I’ll want answered:

• Is there even the slightest chance that the accident was even partially your fault?
• Were you injured enough to warrant more treatment over and above the ED/Urgent Care? In other words, will you be seeking PT, chiropractic, or some other sort of ongoing care?

If you have the right answers – no liability on your part and you’re hurt badly enough to warrant ongoing treatment – then I personally think there’s enough that a skilled personal injury attorney can do to make it worth everyone’s while.

If there’s even the slightest chance that the accident was even partially your fault, I’ll be hesitant to take on your case. In short, NC is a contributory negligence state so most attorneys don’t get involved in those situations, but we never say never.

If you weren’t at fault at all, but you just have some bumps and bruises and aren’t really in need of any follow up care, then you have a reasonable claim, but probably not a great need for an attorney. They’re going to give you what they’re going to give you on that and there’s no need to share 1/3 of it with me.

But once again, the need for a personal injury attorney for your auto accident case isn’t always going to be obvious, so it’s wise to talk to someone who knows what they’re talking about. Talk to me. 919-929-2992.